Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Featured in: Bite-Size Snacks

This comforting one-pan dish features tender long-grain rice simmered with juicy diced tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and savory herbs. Start by gently cooking onions and garlic in olive oil, then toast the rice before adding tomatoes and vegetable broth. Simmer low and slow until the rice absorbs the flavorful liquids and reaches perfect tenderness. Finished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy, wholesome meal that fits busy lifestyles and offers a delicious vegan, gluten-free option.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:28:00 GMT
Steaming Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, featuring fluffy rice with bright red tomatoes, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Steaming Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner, featuring fluffy rice with bright red tomatoes, ready to serve. | funcockts.com

A simple, comforting one-pan meal of tender rice simmered with juicy tomatoes, onion, and a hint of garlic—perfect for busy weeknights.

This Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner has become my go-to when I need something filling but quick. Its simplicity means I spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying a warm meal.

Ingredients

  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), with juices
  • Long-grain White Rice: 1 cup (200 g), rinsed
  • Vegetable Broth or Water: 2 cups (480 ml)
  • Salt: 1 tsp (or to taste)
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning: 1/2 tsp
  • Olive Oil (optional): 2 tbsp
  • Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Add Garlic:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Toast Rice:
Stir in the rice and toast for 1 2 minutes, until the edges become slightly translucent.
Add Tomatoes & Liquids:
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
Simmer:
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Rest & Serve:
Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
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This recipe is a family favorite, especially when everyone gathers in the kitchen to sneak tastes as the rice simmers. The aroma always reminds us of cold evenings spent together.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this skillet dinner on its own or pair it with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Variations & Add-ins

Make the meal heartier by adding canned beans, cooked chickpeas, or swapping white rice for brown rice. Adjust cooking time if needed.

Nutrition & Allergen Info

This recipe contains no major allergens. One serving provides about 210 calories. Check your broth for gluten if you require strict allergen avoidance.

A one-pan Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner bursting with savory flavors, perfect for easy weeknight meals. Save to Pinterest
A one-pan Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner bursting with savory flavors, perfect for easy weeknight meals. | funcockts.com

This Tomato-Rice Skillet Dinner brings easy comfort to the table with minimal effort. Enjoy warm and fresh for the best taste.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Long-grain white rice works well due to its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors, making it ideal for skillet cooking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase simmering time by 10–15 minutes and add extra broth as needed to ensure the rice cooks through.

How can I add protein to this meal?

Stir in canned beans or cooked chickpeas with the tomatoes to boost protein content without altering cooking time significantly.

What options are there to add more spice?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking for a gentle heat that complements the tomato and garlic flavors.

Is this dish suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Yes, it uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, making it both vegan and gluten-free. Check broth labels to confirm gluten-free status.

Tomato Rice Skillet Dinner

Tender rice cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a comforting, easy one-pan dinner.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Facts Vegan-Friendly, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

Grains

01 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed

Liquids

01 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
02 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
03 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

Optional

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 02

Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Toast rice: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and toast, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes until edges turn slightly translucent.

Step 04

Combine liquids and seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 05

Simmer mixture: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 06

Rest and fluff: Remove skillet from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify broth labels for gluten or other allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 4 g